Noise suppressor heat management systems and devices

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for use in reducing the heat emission of a firearm noise suppressor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/045,561 filed Jun. 29, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/047,804 filed Jul. 2, 2020, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present specification relates to devices for reducing the heat emission or transference of a firearm noise suppressor, and devices for increasing user safety when handling hot suppressors.

BACKGROUND

High-temperature and high-pressure propellant gases escaping and expanding from the muzzle of a firearm can generate a shockwave that produces an intense sound signature. Sound suppressors are often used with firearms to slow or cool down the escaping propellant gas, thereby reducing the amount of noise (e.g., sound intensity or volume) generated when the firearm is discharged. Such suppressors often employ baffles, spacers, or packing material to affect the slowing or cooling down of the escaping propellant gas.

While known firearm suppressors have proven acceptable for their intended purposes, a need for improvement remains. For example, current suppressors produce and transfer heat to the rest of the firearm, the user, and the environment.

Further shortcomings of suppressors include the thermal mirage effect, also called heat haze or heat shimmer, referring to the tendency of objects to appear blurry or wavy when viewed through heated air. This phenomenon is caused by differences in refractive index between hot air and adjacent cooler air; rays of light bend when they travel through a boundary between hot and cold air, which creates a distorted image. This causes the image of objects viewed through a plume of hot air to move and shimmer. Thermal mirages can be extremely problematic for shooters, especially when long distance target acquisition or engagement is desired.

In addition, the heat produced by firearm suppressors can increase the thermal signature of a firearm, for example when viewed through heat-sensitive optics, such as IR. In tactical situations, this increase in thermal signature can increase the danger to a user by “illuminating” the user.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for decreasing the heat emission or transference or “thermal signature” of a firearm noise suppressor, while the suppressor is mounted (or attached) to the firearm or detached. These systems and devices can comprise suppressor covers, user gloves and “mitts”, suppressor “carry” bags, and systems and kits comprising these devices.

Disclosed embodiments comprise covers for use with firearm sound suppressors comprising an insulating body and a retention apparatus attached to the insulating body. The insulating body includes one or more layers of thermally-insulating material. The insulating body is configured for being wrapped around the firearm sound suppressor. The retention apparatus includes a securing structure, for example a cinch 200 as seen in FIG. 2, configured for being wrapped around the insulating body to secure the insulating body in a fixed position with respect to the firearm sound suppressor after the insulating body is applied to the firearm sound suppressor.

Disclosed methods comprise the use of disclosed systems and devices for decreasing the heat emission of a firearm noise suppressor, for example to increase usability as well as reduce the thermal signature of the suppressor, for example the thermal signature as viewed through infrared (IR) observation or targeting devices.

Disclosed methods comprise the use of disclosed systems and devices for increasing user safety when handling a hot suppressor while reducing the user's heat exposure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a disclosed cover embodiment mounted on a firearm.

FIG. 2 shows a disclosed cover embodiment including a “cinch” mechanism to secure the device to the suppressor.

FIG. 3 shows a disclosed carry bag embodiment mounted on a firearm.

FIG. 4 shows a disclosed “mitt” embodiment with loop.

FIG. 5 shows a system as disclosed herein, comprising gloves, a suppressor cover, and a suppressor carry bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed toward systems, devices and methods for reducing the heat emission, heat transference, or thermal signature of a firearm noise suppressor, for example when the suppressor is attached to a firearm, or when the suppressor is removed and stored.

Disclosed embodiments comprise suppressor covers that reversibly attach to a firearm noise suppressor.

Disclosed embodiments comprise carry bags that encase the firearm noise suppressor.

Disclosed embodiments comprise heat-resistant gloves that can be used individually or with disclosed covers and carry bags. Embodiments comprise heat-resistant mitts that can be used individually or with disclosed covers and carry bags.

Disclosed embodiments comprise systems comprising at least one firearm suppressor cover, at least one carry bag, and at least one heat-resistant glove. Embodiments comprise systems comprising at least one suppressor cover, at least one carry bag, and at least one heat-resistant mitt.

Embodiments comprise kits comprising at least one suppressor cover and at least one heat-resistant glove. Disclosed kits can comprise operating instructions. Embodiments comprise kits comprising at least one suppressor cover and at least one heat-resistant mitt. Disclosed kits can comprise operating instructions. Embodiments comprise kits comprising at least one carry bag and at least one heat-resistant glove or mitt. Disclosed kits can comprise operating instructions. Embodiments comprise kits comprising at least one suppressor cover, at least one carry bag, and at least one heat-resistant glove or mitt. Disclosed kits can comprise operating instructions.

Embodiments comprise methods of training a user in the use of systems comprising at least one suppressor cover, at least one carry bag, and at least one heat-resistant glove or mitt. Embodiments comprise methods of reducing the heat signature of a firearm suppressor during and after use. Embodiments comprise methods of reducing the visibility of a firearm suppressor during and after use.

Definitions

“Carry Bag” as used herein means disclosed embodiments designed to loosely contact and reversibly attach to a firearm suppressor and reduce a user's heat exposure.

“Firearm” as used herein means a rifle, pistol, or other projectile-firing weapon that produces sound, heat, or both, when in use. Thus, the term encompasses both single user-operated firearms such as pistols and rifles and crew-served firearms.

“Suppressor” as used herein means a noise or flash suppressor such as is commonly mounted at the muzzle of a firearm “Suppressor” can mean a combination noise/flash suppressor.

“Suppressor Cover” as used herein means disclosed embodiments designed to closely contact and reversibly attach to a firearm suppressor.

Noise Suppressor Covers

Disclosed embodiments comprise suppressor “covers” that reversibly attach to a firearm suppressor 110, as seen in FIG. 1. A suppressor cover as described herein allows an operator of a firearm on which the suppressor cover is installed on a suppressor of the firearm to comfortably handle the suppressor when hot, for example after use of the firearm. For example, in embodiments, disclosed suppressor covers can reduce the heat emitted by the suppressor (as experienced by a user) by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or more.

In embodiments, the disclosed suppressor covers can reduce the heat emitted by the suppressor by at least 100°, at least 200°, at least 300°, at least 400°, at least 500°, at least 600°, at least 700°, at least 800°, or more.

As further shown in FIG. 1, noise suppressor 110 is mounted to the muzzle of firearm 100. Suppressor cover 120 is reversibly attached to the noise suppressor 110 and, in embodiments “cinched” to securely fasten the cover.

Attachment of the suppressor cover to the suppressor can be via friction, stretching such as contraction, or through use of an attachment system comprising, for example, a cinch, straps, Velcro, or the like. FIG. 2 shows a cinch 220 for securing the suppressor cover 200 to the firearm suppressor. Threads 210 running the length of the suppressor cover 200 aid in maintaining the structural integrity of the cover.

Suppressor covers as disclosed are preferably, but not necessarily, made from material that is flame retardant, flame resistance, and/or heat resistant. In addition to allowing an operator to handle a hot suppressor, a suppressor cover configured in accordance with the present disclosure also reduces the thermal signature of the sound suppressor and provides a platform for attaching camouflage elements such as Ghillie suit material, brush, branches, etc. Suppressor covers as described herein can be configured to fit different size (e.g., length and/or diameter) suppressors, and thus different firearms.

Disclosed covers can comprise a laminate construction, for example a laminate construction comprising at least one fabric and at least one layer comprising metal or a ceramic, for example a flexible ceramic. In embodiments, the fabric layers can comprise, for example, felt. In embodiments, fabric layers can comprise woven materials. In embodiments, the fabric can comprise an encapsulated or impregnated material, for example silicon.

In an embodiment, the cover comprises (from the noise suppressor surface outward) a fabric layer, a metal layer, and another fabric layer. Multiple layers of differing fabric can be used.

For example, in an embodiment, disclosed covers can comprise felt (for example, heat-resistant felt) and another flame-resistant fabric, for example a material with a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) greater than 20.95. LOI measures the amount of oxygen required in the environment for a fabric to support combustion (any material with a LOI less than 20.95 {the oxygen volume of air} will burn in air). In embodiments, the LOI of the heat-resistant fabric is, for example, at least 21, at least 25, at least 35, at least 45, at least 55, or the like.

In embodiments, the heat-resistant material can comprise, for example, polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN), reinforced O-PAN, p-aramid (e.g., Kevlar), m-aramid (e.g., Nomex), melamine (e.g., BASOFIL), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimides (e.g., KAPTON), polyamideimides (e.g., KERMEL), partially oxidized polyacrylonitriles (e.g., FORTAFIL OPF), novoloids (e.g., phenol-formaldehyde novolac), poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO), polyp-phenylene benzothiazoles) (PBT); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), flame retardant viscose rayons, polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyketones (PEK), polyetherimides (PEI), chloropolymeric fibers (e.g., FIBRAVYL L9F), modacrylics (e.g., PROTEX), fluoropolymeric fibers (e.g., TEFLON TFE), and combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the heat-resistant materials are made from reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile fabrics, which are sold under the trade name CARBONX. Reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile (e.g., CARBONX) is composed of oxidized polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN) fibers and at least one strengthening and/or reinforcing fiber. Strengthening and/or reinforcing fibers or filaments may be included with O-PAN in order to increase the tensile strength of the resultant fibers. Metal fibers or thread can be used. Fibers, yarns, and fabrics made of reinforced O-PAN, which are suitably configured for being used in a suppressor cover configured in accordance with the present Specification are disclosed in a number of United States patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,358,608, 6,827,686, 6,800,367, 7,087,300, and in a number of published U.S. patent applications, including US published patent applications Nos. 2009/0258180, 2009/0209155, and 2007/0231573.

In embodiments, the O-PAN and the reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments are blended together so as to form a fibrous blend having increased strength and abrasion resistance compared to a yarn, fabric, or felt consisting exclusively of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers. Preferably, O-PAN is included in an amount in an range from about 50 percent to about 99.9 percent by weight of the fiber blend with the remainder being made up of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. More preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 75 percent to about 99.5 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Even more preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 85 percent to about 99 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Most preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 90 percent to about 97 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments.

Metal layers suitable for use in disclosed embodiments can comprise, for example tin, aluminum, or the like. The thickness of the metal layer can be, for example, less than 1 mm, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.3 mm, less than 0.2 mm, or the like.

In disclosed embodiments, a cover for use with a firearm suppressor comprises a retention apparatus attached to the cover. The retention apparatus includes a securing structure configured for being wrapped around the cover to secure the cover in a fixed position with respect to the firearm sound suppressor after the cover is wrapped around the firearm sound suppressor.

In embodiments, the cover is configured to be wrapped around or slid on to the firearm sound suppressor.

Suppressor Carry Bags

Embodiments comprise suppressor “carry bags” that are shaped to surround the suppressor. Disclosed bags can comprise means to secure the bag to the suppressor, or means to close the bag via, for example, a strap or a zipper. For example, FIG. 3 shows a disclosed carry bag 300 with the open end of the carry bag secured around the suppressor using a cinch 310.

Disclosed carry bags can comprise a laminate construction, for example a laminate construction comprising fabric and metal layers. In embodiments, the fabric layers can comprise, for example, felt. In embodiments, fabric layers can comprise woven materials. In embodiments, the fabric can comprise an encapsulated material, for example silicon.

In an embodiment, the carry bag comprises (from the suppressor outward) a fabric layer, a metal layer, and another fabric layer. Multiple layers of differing fabric can be used. For example, in an embodiment, disclosed covers can comprise felt and a flame- and/or heat-resistant fabric, for example a material with a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) greater than 20.95. LOI measures the amount of oxygen required in the environment for a fabric to support combustion (any material with a LOI less than 20.95 (the oxygen volume of air) will burn in air). In embodiments, the LOI of the heat-resistant fabric is, for example, at least 21, at least 25, at least 35, at least 45, at least 55, or the like.

In embodiments, the heat-resistant material can comprise, for example, polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN), reinforced O-PAN, p-aramid (e.g., Kevlar), m-aramid (e.g., Nomex), melamine (e.g., BASOFIL), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimides (e.g., KAPTON), polyamideimides (e.g., KERMEL), partially oxidized polyacrylonitriles (e.g., FORTAFIL OPF), novoloids (e.g., phenol-formaldehyde novolac), poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO), polyp-phenylene benzothiazoles) (PBT); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), flame retardant viscose rayons, polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyketones (PEK), polyetherimides (PEI), chloropolymeric fibers (e.g., FIBRAVYL L9F), modacrylics (e.g., PROTEX), fluoropolymeric fibers (e.g., TEFLON TFE), and combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the heat-resistant materials of the carry bag are made from reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile fabrics, which are sold under the trade name CARBONX. Reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile (e.g., CARBONX) is composed of oxidized polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN) fibers and at least one strengthening and/or reinforcing fiber. Strengthening and/or reinforcing fibers or filaments may be included with O-PAN in order to increase the tensile strength of the resultant fibers. Metal threads or fibers can be used. Fibers, yarns, and fabrics made of reinforced O-PAN, which are suitably configured for being used in a suppressor cover configured in accordance with the present Specification are disclosed in a number of United States patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,358,608, 6,827,686, 6,800,367, 7,087,300, and in a number of published U.S. patent applications, including US published patent applications Nos. 2009/0258180, 2009/0209155, and 2007/0231573.

In embodiments, the O-PAN and the reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments are blended together so as to form a fibrous blend having increased strength and abrasion resistance compared to a yarn, fabric, or felt consisting exclusively of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers. Preferably, O-PAN is included in an amount in an range from about 50 percent to about 99.9 percent by weight of the fiber blend with the remainder being made up of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. More preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 75 percent to about 99.5 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Even more preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 85 percent to about 99 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Most preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 90 percent to about 97 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments.

Metal layers suitable for use in disclosed carry bag embodiments can comprise, for example tin, aluminum, or the like. The thickness of the metal layer can be, for example, less than 1 mm, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.3 mm, less than 0.2 mm, or the like.

In disclosed embodiments, a carry bag for use with a firearm suppressor comprises a retention apparatus attached to the carry bag. The retention apparatus includes a securing structure configured for being wrapped around the carry bag to secure the carry bag in a fixed position with respect to the firearm sound suppressor after the carry bag is wrapped around the firearm sound suppressor.

In embodiments, the carry bag is configured to be wrapped around the firearm sound suppressor.

Gloves

Disclosed embodiments comprise gloves designed to provide further thermal protection to a user when used with disclosed carry bags and covers. As seen in FIG. 5, gloves 510 can be used alone or in combination with other disclosed embodiments such as suppressor covers and carry bags. In embodiments, disclosed gloves can comprise “fingerless” designs wherein at least one finger is not covered by glove material, thus increasing tactile performance.

In embodiments, disclosed gloves can comprise a flame- and/or heat-resistant fabric. In embodiments, the LOI of the heat-resistant fabric is, for example, at least 21, at least 25, at least 35, at least 45, at least 55, or the like.

For example, in embodiments, disclosed gloves can comprise a flame- and/or heat-resistant fabric, for example, polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN), reinforced O-PAN, p-aramid (e.g., Kevlar), m-aramid (e.g., Nomex), melamine (e.g., BASOFIL), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimides (e.g., KAPTON), polyamideimides (e.g., KERMEL), partially oxidized polyacrylonitriles (e.g., FORTAFIL OPF), novoloids (e.g., phenol-formaldehyde novolac), poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO), polyp-phenylene benzothiazoles) (PBT); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), flame retardant viscose rayons, polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyketones (PEK), polyetherimides (PEI), chloropolymeric fibers (e.g., FIBRAVYL L9F), modacrylics (e.g., PROTEX), fluoropolymeric fibers (e.g., TEFLON TFE), and combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the heat-resistant materials of the gloves are made from reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile fabrics, which are sold under the trade name CARBONX. Reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile (e.g., CARBONX) is composed of oxidized polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN) fibers and at least one strengthening and/or reinforcing fiber. Strengthening and/or reinforcing fibers or filaments may be included with O-PAN in order to increase the tensile strength of the resultant fibers. Fibers, yarns, and fabrics made of reinforced O-PAN, which are suitably configured for being used in a suppressor cover configured in accordance with the present Specification are disclosed in a number of United States patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,358,608, 6,827,686, 6,800,367, 7,087,300, and in a number of published U.S. patent applications, including US published patent applications Nos. 2009/0258180, 2009/0209155, and 2007/0231573.

In embodiments, the O-PAN and the reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments are blended together so as to form a fibrous blend having increased strength and abrasion resistance compared to a yarn, fabric, or felt consisting exclusively of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers. Preferably, O-PAN is included in an amount in an range from about 50 percent to about 99.9 percent by weight of the fiber blend with the remainder being made up of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. More preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 75 percent to about 99.5 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Even more preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 85 percent to about 99 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Most preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 90 percent to about 97 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments.

Mitts

Embodiments also comprise mitts designed to provide further thermal protection to a user when used with disclosed carry bags and covers. As seen in FIG. 4, disclosed mitts 400 can comprise loops 410 for securing the device to a user's hand, for example a thumb loop. Disclosed mitts can comprise slots for securing the device to a user's hand, for example a finger(s) slot. Disclosed mitts can comprise a flame- and/or heat-resistant fabric. In embodiments, the LOI of the heat-resistant fabric is, for example, at least 21, at least 25, at least 35, at least 45, at least 55, or the like.

For example, in an embodiment, disclosed mitts can comprise a flame- and/or heat-resistant fabric, for example, polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN), reinforced O-PAN, p-aramid (e.g., Kevlar), m-aramid (e.g., Nomex), melamine (e.g., BASOFIL), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimides (e.g., KAPTON), polyamideimides (e.g., KERMEL), partially oxidized polyacrylonitriles (e.g., FORTAFIL OPF), novoloids (e.g., phenol-formaldehyde novolac), poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO), polyp-phenylene benzothiazoles) (PBT); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), flame retardant viscose rayons, polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyketones (PEK), polyetherimides (PEI), chloropolymeric fibers (e.g., FIBRAVYL L9F), modacrylics (e.g., PROTEX), fluoropolymeric fibers (e.g., TEFLON TFE), and combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the heat-resistant materials of the mitts are made from reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile fabrics, which are sold under the trade name CARBONX. Reinforced oxidized polyacrylonitrile (e.g., CARBONX) is composed of oxidized polyacrylonitrile (O-PAN) fibers and at least one strengthening and/or reinforcing fiber. Strengthening and/or reinforcing fibers or filaments may be included with O-PAN in order to increase the tensile strength of the resultant fibers. Fibers, yarns, and fabrics made of reinforced O-PAN, which are suitably configured for being used in a suppressor cover configured in accordance with the present Specification are disclosed in a number of United States patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,358,608, 6,827,686, 6,800,367, 7,087,300, and in a number of published U.S. patent applications, including US published patent applications Nos. 2009/0258180, 2009/0209155, and 2007/0231573.

In embodiments, the O-PAN and the reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments are blended together so as to form a fibrous blend having increased strength and abrasion resistance compared to a yarn, fabric, or felt consisting exclusively of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers. Preferably, O-PAN is included in an amount in an range from about 50 percent to about 99.9 percent by weight of the fiber blend with the remainder being made up of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. More preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 75 percent to about 99.5 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Even more preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 85 percent to about 99 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments. Most preferably, the fibrous blend includes O-PAN fibers in a range from about 90 percent to about 97 percent by weight of the fibrous blend, with the remainder consisting of reinforcing fibers and/or strengthening filaments.

Systems

Disclosed systems comprise multiple disclosed embodiments, for example in a carrying case. In embodiments, disclosed systems as shown in FIG. 5 comprise at least one cover 520, at least one carry bag, and at least one glove 510 or mitt 530. In embodiments, systems can be packaged as kits, and can further comprise instructions for use.

Methods of Use

Disclosed embodiments can be used to decrease the heat emission of a firearm suppressor. In use, the suppressor cover is attached to the suppressor prior to use to reduce heat emissions, for example to increase user comfort and safety as well as reduce the “thermal signature” of the suppressor, for example by reducing the visibility of the firearm when viewed through heat-sensitive optics.

In embodiments, the carry bag is wrapped around the suppressor, with the suppressor either attached to or separate from the firearm.

In embodiments, a user wears at least one glove to further increase user comfort.

In embodiments, a user wears at least one mitt to further increase user comfort.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting Examples are provided for illustrative purposes only in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments. This example should not be construed to limit any of the embodiments described in the present specification.

Example 1 Suppressor Cover Heat Reduction

A disclosed suppressor cover was attached to a firearm suppressor mounted on an AR-15 (5.56 mm) prior to use, then the firearm was discharged 90 times. After firing, the surface temperature of the cover was 140° F. The cover was then removed, and the surface temperature of the suppressor determined. The surface temperature of the suppressor was 1100° F. The cover reduced the heat emitted by the suppressor by over 87%. The user wore gloves as disclosed herein when handling the cover and suppressor.

Example 2 Carry Bad Heat Reduction

An AR-15 (5.56 mm) was discharged 30 times. After firing, the surface temperature of the suppressor was 850° F. Then the carry bag was placed around the suppressor. The surface temperature of the carry bag was 70° F.

Example 3 Glove Heat Reduction

An AR-15 (5.56 mm) was discharged 30 times. After firing, the surface temperature of the suppressor was 670° F. The user wore a disclosed glove to safely handle the suppressor.

Example 4 Mitt Heat Reduction

An AR-15 (5.56 mm) is discharged 30 times. After firing, the surface temperature of the suppressor is 870° F. The user wears a disclosed mitt to safely handle the suppressor.

Example 5 Tactical Use

Prior to use of a firearm in a tactical operation, a disclosed cover is wrapped around a firearm suppressor mounted on a Ruger Standard (22LR). During operation the firearm is discharged. The thermal signature of the firearm is reduced through use of the cover, and the visibility of the firearm and the user is reduced when viewed through heat-sensitive optics such as IR.

Example 6 Mirage Reduction

Prior to use of a firearm, a disclosed cover was wrapped around a firearm suppressor mounted on a rifle. The weapon was discharged, and the disclosed cover eliminated the mirage effect experienced by the user.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, comprising the best mode known to the inventor for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure comprises all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present disclosure are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be comprised in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of embodiments disclosed herein.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the present disclosure so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein. 

1) A device for reducing the heat emission of a noise suppressor comprising a cover comprising a heat-resistant fabric layer and a metal layer. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said metal layer comprises aluminum. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 25. 4) The device of claim 1, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 35. 5) The device of claim 1, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 45. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 55. 7) The device of claim 1, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer comprises Oxidized Polyacrylonitrile (OPAN). 8) A device for reducing the heat emission of a noise suppressor comprising a carry bag comprising a heat-resistant fabric layer and a metal layer. 9) The device of claim 8, wherein said metal layer comprises aluminum. 10) The device of claim 8, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 25. 11) The device of claim 8, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 35. 12) The device of claim 8, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 45. 13) The device of claim 8, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 55. 14) The device of claim 8, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer comprises Oxidized Polyacrylonitrile (OPAN). 15) A method of reducing the heat signature of a firearm suppressor, said method comprising attaching a cover to the firearm suppressor prior to use of the firearm, said cover comprising a heat-resistant fabric layer and a metal layer. 16) The method of claim 15, wherein said metal layer comprises aluminum. 17) The method of claim 15, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 25. 18) The method of claim 15, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 35. 19) The method of claim 15, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 45. 20) The method of claim 15, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 55. 21) The method of claim 15, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer comprises Oxidized Polyacrylonitrile (OPAN). 22) A method of reducing the thermal image of a firearm suppressor, said method comprising attaching a cover to the firearm suppressor prior to use of the firearm, said cover comprising a heat-resistant fabric layer and a metal layer. 23) The method of claim 22, wherein said metal layer comprises aluminum. 24) The method of claim 22, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 25. 25) The method of claim 22, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 35. 26) The method of claim 22, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 45. 27) The method of claim 22, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer has an LOI of at least
 55. 28) The method of claim 22, wherein said heat-resistant fabric layer comprises Oxidized Polyacrylonitrile (OPAN). 